Welcome to the ARN

Autism 101

Autism is a complex developmental disability that often appears during the first two years of life. Autism typically affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is diverse in its diagnosis and treatment plans. No one case or individual is exactly alike. As one mother observed, “If you know one person with autism, then you know one person with autism.” Because of its diversity, Autism is referred to as a spectrum developmental disorder. Spectrum means it affects individuals differently and to varying degrees.

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Early Identification: Key to Growth and Learning

Early identification of autism spectrum disorder is perhaps the most important piece in helping your child gain the skills needed to thrive. Though ASD is still a puzzle for many doctors and researchers, it is generally agreed that early diagnosis will dramatically improve a child’s social development and improve functioning, thereby increasing the child’s quality of life. Autism usually appears during the first two years of life. With attention and planning, a parent, with the help of their pediatrician and autism specialist, will be able to come up with an appropriate treatment plan.

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K.I.D.D.S. and Our Mission

The mission of the ARN is to support the work of KIDDS (K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital Integrated Diagnostic and Developmental Services). The purpose of the ARN is to serve as a platform for identifying community resources across life domains for families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

The Child Evaluation Center and the KIDDS Program (K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital Integrated Diagnostic and Developmental Services) at Jersey Shore University Medical Center provides comprehensive services for children with developmental delays including team secondary screening and diagnostic assessments.  Timely secondary screening allows for children to be seen quickly and begin therapy services while going through the diagnostic process.

Specific goals of the KIDDS Program include:

 

  • Promote early identification of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Primary Care offices
  • Implement secondary screening program through the Infant Toddler Assessment Program for children younger then 3 years of age
  • Provide timely comprehensive assessment, diagnostic and care management for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Expand, Enhance and Coordinate language, social skills, behavioral therapy and other services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Collaborate with community agencies to increase community awareness and support services for families and professionals